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OU softball: Sydney Romero chasing Olympic dream even if it wasn't how she had planned

Oklahoma third baseman Sydney Romero has long dreamed of playing in the Olympics. She long thought her chance would come with Team USA, but now, she hopes to be at the 2020 Olympics with Team Mexico. [PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN]

NORMAN — Sydney Romero remembers watching softball during the Olympics back in 2008.

She remembers dreaming, too.

She was a kid living in Southern California then, but she pictured herself playing in the Games one day. Making plays. Getting hits. Maybe even climbing onto the medal stand.

Romero, who is about to start her senior season at Oklahoma, will have a chance to start chasing her Olympic dream this summer — but it is a dream with a twist.

Mexico will be on her jersey.

"It was a really cool opportunity," she said of being invited to try out for the Mexican national team along with older sister, Sierra. "We thought this was the best for us and thought it was a really good opportunity to support our heritage."

Both of the Romero sisters have played for USA Softball over the years, and considering their skills — Sierra has played the past three years in National Pro Fastpitch while Sydney is gunning to become an All-American again — they would seem prime candidates for Team USA in the 2020 Olympics. While neither Sydney nor Sierra has wanted to talk much about why they are making the move to Team Mexico, those close to them say the fit is off between the sisters and USA Softball.

"We knew they weren't going to get invited to (Team) USA," their father, Michael, said. "We knew well in advance."

The Romero sisters decided they weren't going to stew. Or worry. Or lament.

They decided to move on.

For several years, they have had dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico. Their paternal grandfather was born in Mexico, and their father had dual citizenship from a young age, having grown up in San Diego within walking distance of the border.

Sydney and Sierra grew up about 20 minutes from the border, and their Mexican heritage was a constant part of their lives. They celebrated the holidays. They enjoyed the food. They knew the traditions.

And when the Mexican National Softball Federation contacted the sisters last spring about trying out, they decided to give it serious thought. This was a chance not only to go to the Olympics but also to chase that dream together.

In early fall, the sisters contacted Team Mexico with their decision — they were in.

Sydney was surprised by the pride that she saw in the eyes of many family members.

"I guess I didn't realize how much of an impact it would have on them," she said. "It was really cool to see."

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No one was prouder than her parents, but they also had a bit of fear. Michael and Melissa Romero recognize the mood of the country, the temperament of some people when it comes to anything related to Mexico. They worried about backlash.

"But so far, there's been a lot of support," Michael said. "Me and my wife, that was one of the things that we were worried about, but both of my daughters are strong minded, strong willed."

That strength could be an asset to Team Mexico, which must still qualify for the Olympics. If the sisters make the team, they are likely leaders in the dugout, on the field and for the sport in Mexico.

Sydney tries not to think that far ahead. She has a full college season in front of her — the Sooners open Feb. 8 — and she wants to be completely focused on that. But she has dreamed about the Olympics for so long that it's darn near impossible to put it out of her mind entirely.

Asked if she thinks Team Mexico would have her play third, she gets a twinkle in her eye.

"If they want me to pitch, I'll pitch," she said. "At this point, I'll play wherever they need me."

As long as it's at the Olympics.

Jenni Carlson: Jenni can be reached at 405-475-4125 or jcarlson@oklahoman.com. Like her at facebook.com/JenniCarlsonOK, follow her at twitter.com/jennicarlson_ok or view her personality page at newsok.com/jennicarlson.

Jenni Carlson, a sports columnist at The Oklahoman since 1999, came by her love of sports honestly. She grew up in a sports-loving family in Kansas. Her dad coached baseball and did color commentary on the radio for the high school football...
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